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Wikimedia. Creative Commons. Credit:  Jerzy Strzelecki. Fláajökull ("Sloping Glacier") is a small glacier tongue found on the east side of Breiðabunga volcano, stretching down from Iceland's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.  In the past, the glacier has been referred to as Hólmsárjökull, Mýrájökull and Hólsárjökull. In the last century, Fláajökull has receded two kilometres, cau

Wikimedia. Creative Commons. Credit: Kolbrún Ragna. Flatey ('Flat Island') is just one of the thousands of islands that dot Breiðafjörður, a large bay that splits the Snæfellsnes peninsula from the Westfjords. Visiting the island is truly a step back in time, with visitors gaining insight into the traditions and customs of Icelandic islanders. Flatey takes its name from the fact that the island doesn't have any hills. It is rough

Flateyri is the largest settlement in the 2km deep fjord, Önundarfjörður, in the Westfjords, Iceland. It's populations is still just under 200 people. Even by the Westfjords’ high standards, Önundarfjörður is known the island over for its sublime beauty, tabletop mountains, and eccentric museums.  History Historically, Flateyri was a trading centre dating back to 1792. In the upcoming centuries, the town became a large support base for Norwegian

  The Fljotsdalsherad district in East Iceland, home to East Iceland's main town, Egilsstadir, is particularly attractive and features an abundance of sites of natural, historical and cultural interest, some of which are listed below. Notable natural attractions in Fljotsdalsherad Storurd Storurd, in the valley Urdardalur is considered one of the greatest natural attractions of East Iceland and is highly popular with hikers. It features massive boulders, beautiful meadows and ponds,

  Fljotshlid is a beautiful farming district in southern Iceland. It is one of the main sites for Njal's Saga, a masterpiece of the saga literature. It is surrounded by some of the most active and best known volcanoes in the world. These volcanoes are Hekla (north),  Katla (east), Eyjafjallajokull (south) and the Westman Islands (south west, and including Surtsey, that was formed in the eruption of 1963-67). Markarfljot river passes between Fljotshlid and Eyjafjallajokull. Gunna

Flúðir is a small-scale village located in the municipality of Hrunamannahreppur in the Southern Region of Iceland. The village has the river Litla-Laxá running through it into the larger river of Hvítá, and is overlooked by the mountain Miðfell. With a population of just under 400 people, its residency has grown around greenhouse activity and general horticulture, which continues to be the area's main produce. Being located near the ever-popular dest

Fnjoskadalur is a valley in South-Thingeyjarsysla county in North Iceland. It is home to Vaglaskogur, the country's largest birch forest. The river Fnjoska runs through the valley. The river is fairly popular for both salmon and sea char angling but newcomers should not attempt this without a guide, as the river is big of volume, fast and rocky. You will also need to apply for a fishing permit, via the Angling Club of Akureyri or the Angling Club of Reykjavik. There are two self catering

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Debivort. Foss á Síðu is a historic farm in southeast Iceland, renowned for its folklore and natural beauty. The farm has been inhabited since Iceland’s Settlement Era, between 874 and 930 AD. The folklore, surrounding it goes back to the 16th Century when a family in the area was said to be cursed for nine generations and haunted by the spectre of a dog, which some still claim to see. Why it has been inhabited so long, in

Fossatún is a country hotel, renowned for being a centre to learn about Iceland’s troll folklore. Nearby are Troll Waterfalls; in the cliffs next to them, the formation of a troll face can be seen amongst the rocks. For those staying at the hotel, there is a troll walk, where visitors can learn many local tales while enjoying the verdant countryside. The beautiful Skessuhorn mountain dominates the scenery, and the rushing river Grímsá is an excellent plac

Photo from fridheimar.is Fríðheimar is a visitor-friendly tomato farm in south Iceland, renowned for its fresh produce, horse-breeding programme, and for the horse-shows that it puts on in fourteen languages. Due to the geothermal activity in the area, which allows for spa facilities at the nearby towns of Flúðir and Laugarvatn, the greenhouses at Fríðheimar flourish throughout the year. Visitors can tour these greenhouses and taste the produce available. 

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Gestumblindi. Frostastaðavatn is a highland lake renowned for its vivid blue and green colouration and its popularity amongst photographers. Close to the beloved hiking and hot spring area Landmannalaugar and the notorious volcano Mount Hekla, it is frequently visited by those hiking the Laugavegur trek. It can also be visited on day hikes and super jeep tours. Frostastaðavarn is surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains, from which you c

Garðabær is a municipality in the Capital Region of Iceland, located between the districts of Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður.  Establishment & History Formerly known as Garðahreppur, the town of Garðabær was established in 1878 alongside Bessastaðahreppur, when the former district of Álftaneshreppur got split in two. The harbour town of Hafnafjörður used to belong to Garðahreppur, until receiving its own trading credentials

Gatklettur ("Hellnar Arch") is a famous, naturally formed stone arch found between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.  Gatklettur is particularly spectacular for photographers, amateurs and professionals alike. The strange, swirling patterns across the rock itself is a testament to the ocean's constant barrage and makes for a fascinating photographic subject.  Thankfully, Gatklettur is less frequently visited by guests to Icelan

Gerduberg is a particularly beautiful and regular belt of basalt columns on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Gerduberg's lava flowed in the Tertier era. The columns are 14 meters at their highest and around 1-1,5 meters wide. Gerduberg is listed as a natural heritage.

Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland. Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world. Geography  Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including

Gigjokull is one of two glacier outlets from the glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull, the other being Steinholtsjokull. The 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption was close to the head of Gigjokull. Gigjokull empties out of the summit crater area at 1600 meters (5249 feet), flows across the ice cap to 1500 meters (4921 feet) and then descends in an icefall down 200 meters (656 ft). Water flowing from Gigjokull enters the Markarfljot river and eruptions in the area have caused great glacier burs

Gjabakkahellir (a.k.a. Helguhellir or Stelpuhellir ('Girl cave')) is a  lava tube, located in the area of Thingvellir National Park. Gjabakkahellir formed around 9000 years ago. With its many beautiful lava formations and ice sculptures, it is considered a prime example of an Icelandic lava tube, offering breathtaking sights.  

  Gjastykki is a beautiful and rugged rift valley to the north of the caldera Krafla, in the north of Iceland. Gjastykki was literally blown apart by the eruption of Krafla during the years 1975-1984. Two of the three areas that were active during that time are still warm. The area is covered with multicolored slag from the Krafla eruption and bears stark witness to the movement of the tectonic plates.    

Glanni is a beautiful waterfall in West Iceland, located close to the Grabrokarhraun lava field and the village Bifrost. Situated nearby, in the middle of the lava field, is a mesmerising oasis. Glanni waterfall is small but drops in three multi-layered tires. The word 'Glanni' means brightness, or that which shines, and the waterfall is named after the bright colour of its water.  The river that feeds Glanni, Norðurá, is amongst Iceland’s most popular fishing r

Glaumbaer, in the Skagafjordur district in North Iceland, is a museum featuring a renovated turf farm and timber buildings, showcasing 18th and 19th-century life in Iceland. The buildings of the turf farm range in age from the 18th century to the 19th and were renovated in 1947. The farm forms the backdrop of exhibitions that focus on the farm life of 18th and 19th century Iceland and also has two more 19th century-buildings, Gilsstofa and Ashus. Ashus has exhibitions and a nice coffee shop. Gu

Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a beautiful waterfall located at Hamragarðar in South Iceland, close to its better known counterpart, Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is one of the hidden gems of the South Coast, and thus a great spot for photographers and those seeking to admire nature in peace. Image from Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Nature of Gljúfrabúi The 40 metre (131 feet) high Gljúfrabúi is hidden behind a huge cliff

“Whoever doesn't live in poetry cannot survive here on earth.” These are the words of the late Halldór Kiljan Laxness, a 1955 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, in his 1972 novel Under The Glacier. Laxness is Iceland’s only Nobel Laureate, securing the award for his book Independent People "for his vivid epic power which has renewed the great narrative art of Iceland". His self-built house, Gljúfrasteinn, now sits as a museum dedicated to the author&

In Hvalfjordur in West Iceland you can stand in awe before Iceland’s highest waterfall. The mighty Glymur, in the river Botnsa falls down nearly 200 meters into a deep and starkly beautiful canyon. Standing by the fall you'll have a good view of the surrounding landcape, which is is particularly attractive, as Hvalfjordur is widely considered one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords.

The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. This sightseeing trail is easy to do within half a day from Reykjavík, either by self drive or on one of many tours. Some of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun. Within

Goðafoss waterfall is located in the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, the fourth largest river in Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, falling from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. The fall's name means either waterfall of the gods or of the 'goði' (i.e. priest/ chieftain). It is said that when the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði declared Christianity the official religio

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Grábrók is a volcanic crater east of Lake Hreðavatn in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland. Formed approximately 3,400 years ago, the crater rests by the campus of Bifröst University and is a popular hiking destination for residents of the area.  Geology  Grábrók is the largest of three craters within the same volcanic fissure. The fissure is only about 7 kilometres (4,3 mile

  Grenivik is a fishing village of about 300 people in the fjord Eyjafjordur in North Iceland. It has many attractions nearby and is near to some of the most popular hiking trails in the country. The 1173 mountain Kaldbakur rises over the town, lending a distinct feature to the area. Grenivik's main economy is fishing and it also runs a pharmaceutical company.Of nearby attractions the Latrastrond shore and the series of fjords collectively known as the 'Fjordur' are highly rec

Grettislaug is a pool at Reykir in Skagafjordur in North Iceland. It is named after the outlaw Grettir of Grettis Saga fame, who was said to have warmed himself in a geothermal pool after his swim of about 7.5 kilometers from Drangey island. The old spring disappeared in a storm in 1934 a long with another one, Reykjalaug, that had been used for washing. In 1992 farmer Jon Eiriksson of Fagranes, known as 'The earl of Drangey island', along with others, reconstructed it. In 2006 an adjac

Grímsey Island, roughly 5 kilometres in size, can be located off the north coast of Iceland, nestled just by the arctic circle. It is part of the Akureyri municipality, with a population of approximately 100 people living in the one settlement of Sandvík. Culture Grímsey’s economy has always been inherently linked to commercial fishing. The island boasts a recently renovated harbour and plentiful fishing grounds. Recently, the economy has diversified, with the advent

  Grimsvotn refers to subglacial lakes and a volcano of the same name that lie in the western part of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier, in the Icelandic highlands. This volcano is the most active in Iceland. Grimsvotn volcano The volcano is of the the basaltic type and is mostly covered by ice. It measures around 900 m in diameter and up to 1000 m above sea level. The volcano in the same fissure system as Lakagigar. Lakagigar's' eruption of 1783-4 was one of the greatest i

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south side of the Reykjanes peninsula.   The town has one of the most active fishing industries in the country. The Natural Resources and Culture House in Grindavík features exhibitions on the history of the salt fish working in the country and on geothermal activity. The road to Grindavík, Grindavíkurvegur, provides for a stunning drive through lava fields and otherworldly lunar landscapes. 

Grjótagjá is a small lava cave located near lake Mývatn. It features a geothermal hot spring inside. Grjótagjá was popular for bathing until the 1970s but fell out of use during eruptions from 1975 to 1984. However, the temperature is slowly falling down.  Outlaw Jon Markusson lived in this cave in the early 18th century. The fictional characters Jon Snow and the wildling Ygritte were also filmed inside this cave in the TV series Game of Thron

Grótta is a nature reserve on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, in the north-westernmost part of the Greater Reykjavík Area. It has been a nature reserve since 1974 due to its abundant birdlife. History of Grótta There has been a lighthouse at Grótta since 1897, and the one currently standing dates back to 1947. It was connected to the electric grid in 1956 and has remained more or less unchanged since. The area, however, has been used and referenced for mu

Grundarfjörður is a small town found on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland. The town has an approximate population of 872 people and has been twinned with the French town Paimpol since 2004. The town’s main industries lie in fishing and fish processing. Grundarfjörður also bears host to substantial ship traffic, a consequence of’ the settlement’s natural harbour. Grundarfjörður boasts a public library, a his

Located in the fjord of Eyjafjordur in Noth Iceland, Grundarkirkja is one of Iceland‘s most beautiful and distinct churches. It is unusual for an Icelandic church in that its architecture rather resembles a Russian one, particularly its spire. The church was comissioned by farmer Magnus Sigurdsson and consecrated in 1905. Magnus cut the glass in the church himself. The head smith of the church was Asmundur Bjarnason. The church is indeed the largest of all churches comissioned by farmers

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by G. Mannaerts  Grænavatn is a small lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its vivid colouration. The name translates to ‘Green Lake’, and as it suggests, the lake is dyed a seafoam green due to the amount of sulphur in it, as well as its surprising depth of 45 metres (148 ft). The closer to the centre of the feature, the more intense the green.  Grænavatn is located close to the Krýsuvik geothermal

  Greenland is the world's largest island,covering  2,166,086 km2 (836,330 sq mi) and is  located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Physigraphically Greenland belongs to North America, however it has been under the Danish crown since the 18th century, though it is autonomous, having been granted home rule in 1979 and gaining more autonomy following a national referendum in 2008. The country is approachable by air and

Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south Iceland. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 metre (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Because of the water

  Gunnuhver is a collective name for an impressive and colourful geothermal field of various mud pools and fumaroles in the southwest part of Reykjanes. The area is said to be haunted by the ghost of Gudrun Onundardottir, 'Gunna', said to have been tricked into holding an enchanted knotted-rope that pulled her over the field and into one of the fumaroles, resulting in her death.

Guðrúnarlaug, or "Guðrún’s pool," is a pool with naturally hot water in West Iceland.  The pool has over 1000 years of history but was only reconstructed and reopened in 2009 after spending 140 years blocked by a landslide. Guðrúnarlaug's name comes from its original owner, Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, who is a character in Iceland’s most famous love triangle, detailed in the fantastic Saga Laxdæla

  Hafnarfjordur is a port town of around 26.100 people around 10 km from Reykjavik, and is Iceland's third largest town.  Nature & Lore Hafnarfjordur is close to many of Iceland's best natural attractions, was built on lava, and also surrounded by beautiful lava fields. As a whole the nature of the area is very beautiful and varied, with many outdoor areas and spectacular natural formations. The town is also connected with folklore, as it is said to be one of the major l

Hafrafell is a small mountain south of Mosfellsbaer town, around 12 km from Reykjavik.  This mountain offers a great view from the top, as you'll be able to sight the impressive Esja mountain, The Blue Mountains, the Hengill geothermal area, the Reykjanes peninsula and the Reykjavik area and Faxafloi bay. Snaefellsjokull glacier may be sighted far off on a clear day. The charming lake Hafravatn is near Hafrafell.

  Downstream of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, is another major waterfall, the thunderous Hafragilsfoss. Like Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss is a part of the glacier river Jokulsa a Fjollum in North Iceland. Hafragilsfoss drops at 27 meters into Jokulsargljufur canyon. 

Photo from: Canyon Hiking Tour Hafrahvammar is a vast canyon, north of Dimmugljúfur Canyon in East Iceland.  Hafrahvammar is also known by the diminutive Hvammar. At Hvammar’s most southern point you can locate the cave Magnahellir. It is believed that shepherds from the ancient farmstead Brú resided in this cave. Since 2008, the canyon has been a popular hiking destination, but hiking through the area wasn’t possible before the damming of Kárahnjúk

Hafravatn is a small and charming lake just outside the capital limits, with the town Mosfellsbaer on its northern side.  The lake is located 76 m above sea level and is 28 m deep. The river Seljadalsa falls into it from the east and its discharge is Ulfarsfellsa river. There is salmon in the lake, plenty of small lake char and sometimes the brown trout.

Háifoss ('High Waterfall') is a waterfall in Fossárdalur valley, innermost of Þjórsárdalur valley in south Iceland. Háifoss is held to be Iceland's second-highest waterfall, with a height of 122 metres. Near it is another waterfall called Granni, meaning 'Neighbour', i.e. a neighbour to Háifoss. In order to reach Háifoss you will need to be driving a 4x4 car and hike for a short while.

Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church, located on top of hill Skólavörðuhæð in the centre of Reykjavík. At 74.5 metres (245 feet) tall, it is the largest church in Iceland, and its tower offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city.   History and design The church was designed by one of Iceland’s most renowned architects, Guðjón Samúelsson, who is said to have sought inspiration for his expressionistic design from eleme

  Hallmundarhraun is a lava field of the pahoehoe type (i.e. smooth unbroken basaltic lava with a smooth, billowy, undulating, or ropy surface) located slightly west of Langjokull glacier. Hallmundarhraun belongs to Borgarfjordur district but lies on the fringes of the Highlands and West Iceland. The lava formed around the 10th century and flowed from craters near Langjokull glacier. At its broadest its around 7 km and its total length is about 52 km. Several caves are found in the f

Hallormsstaðaskógur is Iceland's largest national forest, found in East Iceland near Egilsstaðir. The area is a famous for its pleasant hiking trails, wildlife and collection of tree species.  Development  For a largely treeless landscape, a forest in Iceland is something of an enigma. However, the reforestation service of Iceland cares for 53 patches of public access land, most of which are easily accessible for travellers on the Ring Road. Hallormsstaðask&oac

Harpa is Rekjavík’s premier concert hall and conference centre. Opened in 2011, it was designed by a collaboration between Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, and the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects. Today, it is a cultural centre of Reykjavík and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. History The idea for a purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík had been tossed around since the 1880s, but it wasn't until this millennium that it began t

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Allihjelm. Hauganes is a village, located within fjord Eyjafjörður in North Iceland with a population of approximately 140 people . Hauganes is part of the Árskógsströnd coastal area and the district of Dalvík. The community is largely centred around fishing and fish processing, as well as whale watching, but Hauganes hosts the oldest working whale watching tour operator in the country.  The Wildli

Haukadalur is a geothermal valley in South Iceland on the popular Golden Circle route.  Lying to the north of Lake Laugarvatn, it is home to hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and the active Strokkur. The area is noted for the vivid colouration of its surrounding hills, caused by elements deep in the earth being brought to the surface by the geothermal activity. History of Haukadalur Haukadalur has been mentioned in historic writings as far

  Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands, south of the mainland, and the only inhabited one, with a population of around 4000 people. The volcano Eldfell is situated on Heimaey. This volcano brought the islands to international attention when it erupted in 1973. The highest mountain of the Westman Islands is also located on Heimaey, the 283 high he tuff mountain Heimaklettur.  In 1984 fisherman Gudlaugur Fritthorsson saved his life as his boat went down by swimming a distanc

Credit: PhotoVicky.  Heinabergslón is a glacial lagoon found within Vatnajökull National Park, located on the South Coast of Iceland. The glacial lagoon’s outlet glacier is Heinabergsjökull, itself a part of Vatnajökull. Heinabergslón is a less popular, and less known, glacial lagoon than its more famous counterpart, Jökulsárlón, but equally as beautiful. Jökulsárlón is, without doubt, both the favourite for locals a

Heidmork is conservation area of over 300 hectars of land and a favorite pastime location, situated on the outskirts of Reykjavik. Heidmork is one of he primary sources for cold water in the capital region. It also has a beautiful forest of over five million plants and about 150 species of flowers. Rabbits and over 60 types of birds can be found there. Of particular note are Raudholar, a spectacular remainder of a cluster of pseudocraters and the salmon river Ellidaar. A nu

  The stratovolcano Hekla in the south of Iceland is undoubtedly one of the island's most famous and active volcanoes, with over 20 eruptions since settlement. Hekla is part of a 40 kilometers long volcanic ridge but the most active part is the fissure Heklugja, considered the volcano proper. Hekla has produced one of the largest amounts of lava of any volcano in the world. Last time Hekla erupted was in 2000. In the Middle Ages Hekla was consi

  Helgafell is a farm and church site, by a 73 m hill of the same name, and located on Thorsnes, south of Stykkisholmur on Snaefellsnes peninsula. It was a large farm for centuries and had a monastery in the Middle Ages.   In the settlement age, a temple in honour of the thundergod Thor was located at the foot of the hill. Also, according to Laxdaela Saga, heroine Gudrun Osvifursdottir is buried by the hill. In pagan times the mountain was indeed said to be the home for dead peo

Hella is a small town of around 781 people (as of 2011), located in South Iceland, around 94 km from the capital. It is an important regional centre for the area. Hella's economy mainly consists of commerce, services and industry. Tourism is an ever-growing sector as well.  The river Ytri-Ranga on the east bank of which Hella is located, is one of the best salmon rivers in Iceland. Hella has excellent lodgings and for recreational activities there is plenty to choose from; s

The Hellisheidi Power Station is the largest geothermal powerstation in Iceland and the second-largest in the world. The power station is located by Mt. Hengill in Southwest Iceland. Presently, Hellisheidavirkjun has a capacity of 303 MW of electricity an 133 MW of hot water, aiming at 400 MW which would make it the most powerful of its kind in the world, in terms of installed capacity.

  Hellisheidi is a lava plateau east of Reykavik, approximately 380 m high. Iceland's main highway, Route 1 passes through it, leading east. The latest and most distinctive lava field is Kristnitokuhraun, formed in the year 1000. On the way through Hellisheidi one can see many mountains, the main ones being Vifilsfell and Blafjoll (The Blue Mountains) to the South and Mt. Hengill to the north. The area is strong in geothermal activity and by Hengill is the Hellisheidavirkjun geot